Flooded Lead Acid
Starting, Lighting, & Ignition Batteries
Tried and True: Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries
FLAs are still the most common battery for automotive applications. That's because they are easy to maintain, long-lasting and cost-effective. We carry best-in-class FLA batteries that will get you where you need to go — whether around the corner or across the country.
Ideal for: Automotive, commercial vehicles
What is a Lead-Acid Battery?
In its simplest form, a battery is a device that stores chemical energy and converts it to electrical energy.
Batteries have three main components:
- Anode (the negative side), where energy flows out of the battery.
- Cathode (the positive side), where energy flows into the battery.
- Electrolyte, a liquid or gel that reacts with the anode and cathode.
In a lead-acid battery, the anode is connected to lead plates on one side of the box, and the cathode is connected to lead dioxide plates on the opposite side. The middle is made up of alternating lead and lead dioxide plates surrounded by sulfuric acid (the electrolyte).
When the reaction is initiated, a current flows from the lead oxide cathode to the lead anode. The lead gives up electrons that the lead dioxide accepts, converting both plates into solid lead sulfate. The supply of energy and external resistance discharges the battery.
Flooded (or wet cell) batteries contain liquid that is a mixture of sulfuric acid and distilled water. Flooded batteries release gas as they discharge and need to be placed upright to prevent leaking. Flooded batteries also need to be watered from time to time to remain in good working condition.
How to Choose a Battery for Your Car
A battery replacement can feel like a go-through-the-motions kind of task that doesn’t require a lot of forethought or planning. While it’s certainly fine to take your car into the shop and ask for the same battery you’ve always had, there are several factors you should consider to ensure you’re getting the best performance and longevity out of your new battery — and your vehicle.
Why SLA Batteries Are the Perfect Choice for Battery-Operated Christmas Toys
Battery-operated riding toys offer kids a taste of age-appropriate freedom and tons of fun. Now that we’re on the cusp of gift-giving season and you’ve got that shiny new ride-on toy wrapped and ready for Christmas morning, it’s time to think about the power that makes it go.
The Evolution of Battery Technology: What’s Next for Automotive Applications?
Battery and automotive technology have been intertwined for more than a century. In 1912, as automobiles began to gain mass popularity, Cadillac developed the first starter motor. This innovation eliminated the need for hand cranking and required a reliable power source — a lead-acid battery. By 1920, most new vehicles were equipped with electric starters powered by batteries.